Photo Deal: Getty Buys WireImage

Photo Deal: Getty Buys WireImage

Leading photo agency Getty Images has announced a deal to acquire upstart entertainment photo service, WireImage. Getty has also signed key WireImage photographers and executives to long term agreements. “The demand for entertainment, event and celebrity imagery is growing exponentially, and Getty Images has determined that there are great growth opportunities in the category,” said Jonathan Klein, co-founder and CEO of Getty Images, in a statement. “A key focus for us in the last several years has been to grow our editorial imagery business, particularly in international markets. The proposed acquisition of WireImage will enable us to develop new products and services, including podcasts, editorial video, multimedia, mobile, consumer offerings and exclusive imagery. We are confident that the proposed acquisition will help us expand our global entertainment and celebrity imagery business, allowing us to satisfy growing customer demand in the U.S. and abroad.” [Eugene Hernandez]